SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain The Boeing Company Model 767-300F series airplanes. The NPRM was published in the Federal Register on February 17, 2026 (91 FR 7180). The NPRM was prompted by a report of a supplier notice of escapement documenting that some titanium cargo track crown fittings had suspect material certifications. The supplier did not have correct material records to make sure that type design specified material was used. In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require an XRF spectrometer inspection to identify the material composition of the cargo track crown fittings or replacement of all cargo track crown fittings with new cargo track crown fittings, and applicable on-condition actions. The FAA is issuing this AD to address suspect material certifications on the titanium track crown fittings. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in cargo track failure and could lead to uncommanded movement of the cargo pallet and subsequent damage to critical systems located in the sidewall or ceiling area of the main cargo compartment, along with inability of a principle structural element to sustain limit loads, which could significantly affect controllability of the airplane.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

The FAA received comments from Boeing, FedEx Express (FedEx), and Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA), who supported the NPRM without change.

The FAA received additional comments from Aviation Partners Boeing (APB) and The Foundation for Aviation Safety. The following presents the comments received on the NPRM and the FAA's response to each comment.

Effect of Winglets on Accomplishment of the Proposed Actions

Aviation Partners Boeing stated that accomplishing Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) ST01920SE does not affect the actions specified in the proposed AD.

The FAA concurs with the commenter. The FAA has redesignated paragraph (c) of the proposed AD as paragraph (c)(1) of this AD and added paragraph (c)(2) to this AD to state that installation of STC ST01920SE does not affect the ability to accomplish the actions required by this AD. Therefore, for airplanes on which STC ST01920SE is installed, a “change in product” alternative method of compliance (AMOC) approval request is not necessary to comply with the requirements of 14 CFR 39.17.

Request To Identify the Root Cause and Preventive Action for Supply Chain Error

The Foundation for Aviation Safety requested that the FAA identify the root cause of the supply chain error, explain how it was discovered and why the original process was not effective in identifying erroneous materials, and clarify the preventive measures to ensure that the error does not happen again.

The FAA acknowledges the commenter's concerns. However, the questions provided are general in nature and are not specific to the unsafe condition addressed in this AD. Broader concerns regarding supply chain errors are outside the scope of this AD. The FAA refers the commentor to the “Background” paragraph for additional ( printed page 58808) information on the discovery of the supply chain error. The FAA did not change this AD as a result of this comment.

Conclusion

The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered any comments received, and determined that air safety requires adopting this AD as proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. Except for minor editorial changes, and any other changes described previously, this AD is adopted as proposed in the NPRM. None of the changes will increase the economic burden on any operator.

Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51

The FAA reviewed Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 767-53A0337 RB, dated October 17, 2025. This material specifies procedures for an XRF spectrometer inspection to identify the material composition of the cargo track crown fittings and applicable on-condition actions. On-condition actions include replacing each affected cargo track crown fitting with a new cargo track crown fitting having Ti-6AI-4V alloy material. This material also specifies, as an option, procedures for replacement of all cargo track crown fittings with new cargo track crown fittings having Ti-6AI-4V alloy material.

This material is reasonably available because the interested parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.

Costs of Compliance

The FAA estimates that this AD affects 43 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary replacements that would be required based on the results of the inspection. The agency has no way of determining the number of aircraft that might need these replacements:

The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate. According to the manufacturer, however, some or all of the costs of this AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected operators.

Authority for This Rulemaking

Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs, describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.

The FAA is issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements. Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.

For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:

(1) Is not a “significant regulatory action” under Executive Order 12866,

(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and

(3) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.

The Amendment

Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows: